Join us as we usher in an incredible weekend of Jewish learning and culture at its best! There won’t be athletes in uniform but there will be laughs, an uplifting musical performance and a warm welcome from our amazing volunteer Co-Chairs to get you into the Limmud-Oz spirit.
Two states for two peoples is the solution to the Israeli - Palestinian conflict accepted by the West and the majority of Israelis. But are separate Israeli and Palestinian states still the answer? Is it still a viable policy goal or merely an illusion? What role do settlements play? Demographics? How to deal with the fact that Gaza and the West Bank are far from being a united Palestinian entity? Where to from here?
Chavruta (learning in pairs) is one of Limmud’s great traditions and an opportunity to engage with text like never before! Delve into traditional and contemporary texts to discuss, debate and take part in the great dialogue of the Jewish people. Focusing on the theme of Money, watch and learn as some of the top minds at Limmud-Oz grapple with the issue of prosperity. What has value? Should we live in a material world? Who creates wealth? What is utopia?…
Eli Wiesel once wrote, 'A novel about the Holocaust is either not a novel or not about the Holocaust.' Given the proliferation of Holocaust fiction, can and should such a position be maintained? Join us for a conversation with two authors who have broached this very topic: historian Alan Rosen, author of The Wonder of Their Voices: The 1946 Holocaust Interviews of David Boder, and Elliot Perlman, author of The Street Sweeper. Both sought to explore the life and work of psychologist David Boder, the first person to undertake systematic interviews with Holocaust survivors in the Displaced Persons camps in 1946. How do history and literature bring different insights to bear in illuminating a traumatic past?
In our busy lives in Australia in the 21st century is it possible to hold true to the traditional Jewish values of peace, truth and justice or have we lost them somewhere along the way?
Live performance featuring premier Sydney musicians Robbie Varga, Peter Kennard, Kim Cunio, singer Heather Lee and flamenco dancer, Annalouise Paul. The exploration of Sephardi culture in Spain and India has inspired this brand new collaboration bringing together beautiful Sephardi songs in Ladino and Spanish, flamenco guitar and ambient percussion and fiery flamenco with shared Jewish ancestries and contemporary practices as Australian artists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Iran’s attempt to obtain a nuclear weapon "constitutes the gravest threat to [Israel’s] existence since the war of independence". President Shimon Peres described Iran as "the greatest threat to peace in the world". What threat does Iran actually pose – and to whom? What should we believe with regard to Iran’s menace? And what could the impact of the unimaginable be?
How can God be righteous when earthquakes take place for which He is fully responsible and why continue to believe that the Torah is fully divine when some of its laws clash with our moral sensitivities? A whole new approach.
Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service, will discuss the role of 'Jews as Global Citizens'. Speaking of her own experiences in the developing world, Ruth will propose how modern Jews, who enjoy greater affluence and more influence than ever before, can do their part to alleviate poverty, hunger, violence, disease and oppression. Sharing the words of dedicated Jews – college and rabbinical students, community leaders and skilled professionals – she will tell of the enormous transformative impact volunteering and advocacy can make in the modern era. By embracing our obligation to assist all people in need, regardless of race, religion or nationality, we have the capacity to ensure social justice for coming generations. As Jews who take seriously our role as global citizens, we will contribute to tikkun olam, the fixing of the world.
What is "pro-Israel"? And when does being critical of Israel become "anti-Israel"? A conversation about where the red lines lie when discussing Israel.
Chavruta (learning in pairs) is one of Limmud’s great traditions. Delve into traditional and contemporary texts to discuss, debate and take part in the great dialogue of the Jewish people. This year the theme is Money. Today we look at consumerism. What distinguishes wants from needs? Is Fairtrade Jewish? Is comparison shopping ethical? Are lavish celebrations unethical?
The Judaism that existed prior to the labels we use today is far too complex and varied to grapple with in one hour. But one key and crucial feature was innovation. In this session, we look at the state of halakhic innovation today, and how Judaism has met some of the challenges of a changing world head-on - to the point where one creatively unafraid chief rabbi insisted the Third Temple would (obviously) feature electric lighting!
Freud, who described himself as a Godless Jew, may have been the most representative Jew of the 20th century. HIs family followed a typical path from the Pale of Settlement to a middle-class life in Vienna. Although Freud was to write that religion was an illusion, he associated with Jews all his life and Jewish ideas suffused his works.
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel has authored more than fifty books, in which he endeavours to counter the enveloping fire of the Holocaust with the visionary fire of the Jewish tradition. By surveying his career and writings, we will explore his teaching on becoming a soul on fire.
Historically there have been those who somehow identify themselves as being of the Jewish faith and/or 'race' but have views which put them at serious odds with the mainstream Jewish community. This session will attempt to outline the issues and possible motivations of so-called 'self-hating Jews'. It is hoped this will be a thought-provoking session, and decorous discussion will be encouraged while understanding that it is a highly emotive topic for many in the Jewish community.
Australia, Israel and the USA have detained militants in Afghanistan and the West Bank. Although engaged in the use of armed force for political and paramilitary objectives, detainees are not recognised soldiers or POWs. Is their detention a war crime or is their situation new and needing new law? This topic addresses the international law issues.
Every year, I and many professionals are required to do continuing education for registration purposes. Many people get that 'Oh no, it's rego time again!' feeling. What if I am audited? I get that feeling when I see movies with subtitles. Continuing education is a very Jewish concept. This session looks at my take on continuing education, both secular and Jewish. Enjoy participating!
From the recent launch of a website for Jewish erotica to a new nuts-and-bolts guide for halachic marital relations, a revolution in Jewish erotic and sexual literature is currently under way. Come along for a snapshot look at some these fascinating developments and a few tips on where to go for a good read.
When Jewish musicians finally entered the world of classical music in the 19th century, they did everything possible NOT to include their 'Jewishness' in their music. From Handel to Shostakovich, non-Jewish composers on the other hand used both Jewish religious themes and musical ideas to enhance their music. In this class we explore why this is so.
Israel is the Jewish state, but what form should that take? In Israel, religion and state are closely intertwined and Jewish law governs many facets of life, from public transport to marriage and divorce. But the control wielded by the Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) through the Rabbinate not only excludes non-Orthodox forms of Judaism but also serves to alienate regular Israelis from Judaism itself. For the first time in close to a decade, the Haredim are not in government. What impact will this have on issues of religion and state? What is being done to heal the major divisions between the religious and the secular? And, according to two leading activists in the field, how hopeful should we be about religious pluralism in Israel?
We all care deeply about the Middle East; we have an interest in its future. Two Jews and two Palestinians explore their experiences, challenges and visions to move forward. Join us in this important conversation.
Judaism is about chutzpah and courage but it has become passe. Should I take off my kippah? The Halacha was never meant for conformists. How do we rebuild authentic Judaism? This session is a spiritual autobiography about doubt, waging war and understanding authentic Halacha.
Rod’s documentary, Uncle Chatzkel (1999), included an account of his great-grandparents' murder in Zagare, in 1941. In 2012 Rod returned for an event commemorating the town’s Jews. A memorial was erected in the town square, a first for Lithuania. Initiated by a young Lithuanian, the event was attended by international descendants of Zagare. Rod will recount the personal significance of this reconciliation journey in the context of ongoing controversy in Lithuania about the rewriting of history.
The House of Bacri and Busnach was a trading house run by Algerian Jews. They supplied wheat to France over two decades and ran up a bill of several million francs. The debt wove its way into diplomacy between France and Algiers and caused the tensions that led to invasion and colonisation of Algeria in 1830. The story of Bacri and Busnach, then, takes us from Napoleon to the Dey of Algiers and from Algiers to Marseille, to Paris and to Leghorn as these two families found themselves at the heart of political and diplomatic intrigue.
In this session Lynda will talk about how her life experiences and the evolution of her Jewish and Zionist awareness have influenced and continue to influence her professional development and the work she does in the Jewish community.
Does your child have a learning difficulty? Three prominent specialists in the area - Dr David Evian, a Behavioural Optometrist, Ms Renee Mill, a Psychologist, and Dr Shelley Hyman, a Paediatric Neuropsychologist - will be discussing various learning, concentration and behavioural issues. Diagnosis and therapies will be included in the discussion. The session will include a joint question-and-answer discussion forum. This is a double session so all questions can be answered.
‘What Makes a Man a Man’ is a multimedia virtual mentoring program for men, offering access to the struggles, successes and insights of 16 well-known Australian male public figures and providing an invaluable resource for men who have not had appropriate male mentors in their lives. The presentation will offer highlights from interviews, and personal reflections from panel members, and will provide the opportunity for attendees to reflect on their own encounters with mentors and their own potential to take on such a role.
A glimpse behind the creation of a new musical theatre production, One of a Kind, set against the backdrop of the expulsion of Jews from Egypt in 1956.
This lecture will present Yiddish literature's most famous character, Tevye the Dairyman, as he makes his way from Sholem Aleichem's original stories to dramatic adaptations - to a 1939 Yiddish film adaptation and, most famously, the 1964 Broadway and 1971 film versions of Fiddler on the Roof. Each of these adaptations enables us to see both the evolution of Jewish culture over the past century, as well as the enduring complexity and originality of Sholem Aleichem's original vision.
The strife and upheaval that have beset Israel’s neighbours since the beginning of the Arab Spring caused an earthquake in an already volatile region. For Israel, calm borders seem like a thing of the past. This presents new threats and new complexities but also unique opportunities to rewrite the rules of the game vis-a-vis Israel’s adversaries. Veteran military journalist Ron Ben Yishai reflects on what lies ahead and offers unique insights.
Judaism is about chutzpah and courage but it has become passe. Should I take off my kippah? The Halacha was never meant for conformists. How do we rebuild authentic Judaism? This session is a spiritual autobiography about doubt, waging war and understanding authentic Halacha.
The Shabbat Switch is a general term for any device or procedure that permits the operation of some amenity on Shabbat, without violating the Shabbat. Without assuming any prior knowledge of physics, this talk will look at the physics related to the concept of the Shabbat Switch. What is strange, but nonetheless true, is that the weird area of physics known as quantum mechanics makes possible a perfect Shabbat Switch.
Food plays a central part in many Jewish families. At Rosh Hashana we eat honey cake and dip apples in honey; on Shabbat it's challah, chopped liver and chicken; on Pesach we serve kneidlach and gefilte fish; and so it goes on. Many parents become stressed, and dread mealtimes, when their children don't eat what is served to them. This presentation will give parents and grandparents some strategies to deal with food refusal and fussy eating.
Does your child have a learning difficulty? Two prominent specialists in the area - Dr David Evian, a Behavioural Optometrist, and Ms Renee Mill, a Psychologist - will be discussing various learning, concentration and behavioural issues. Diagnosis and therapies will be included in the discussion. The session will include a joint question-and-answer discussion forum. This is a double session so all questions can be answered.
The rapidly increasing demand for organ and tissue transplantation has promoted tissue engineering and stem cell research as promising approaches for regenerative medicine. We have used those techniques to build a 3-dimensional heart tissue patch for people after a heart attack and to create an artificial pancreas for type 1 diabetes patients.
A brief analysis of how racial vilification and, in particular, antisemitism are getting a green light in Australia and elsewhere, and how the resonances with the rise of Hitler are growing.
An entertaining and informative interactive lecture, with musical demonstration, about the rich and exciting heritage of Israeli folk music. Dahlia will explore the history, development and evolution of Israeli folk song from biblical times till today. The session will include a mini-workshop in song writing and sing-along. Dahlia will surprise you with the unlikely origins of some well-known songs and entertain you with her special interpretation of Jewish liturgical song.
The imperative to pursue justice is not always so clear-cut. What is required of us? What if justice to one person is injustice to another? Where can we find true justice and why is it so elusive? This performance is a mixture of traditional, personal, sacred and wisdom tales that will explore the trickster nature of justice - a pastiche of the personal experience of a storyteller and educator who has worked extensively for 30 years with communities in conflict, with diversity and Jewish education and in crosscultural situations, throughout Israel and Palestine, in South Africa and in white and indigenous Australia, as a social activist.
Is the State of Israel fulfilling its mission as declared in its Declaration of Independence? And why does Israel lack a constitution? This session will look at the democratic character of the State of Israel and the complex question of a proposed Israeli constitution. It will examine how Israel can successfully balance its promise of maintaining a Jewish character with its obligation to comply with democratic standards.
Woman: Why do I hate certain things? Man: People fear those things they don't understand and fear breeds hate ... Why do you look at me that way? Woman: Because I hate what you just said! Man: But why? Woman: Because I don't understand it! Quotation from Mad's Dave Berg. We will explore the verbal attacks on Israel and their rhetorical fallacies, as well as pro-Israel countermeasures. Current examples will be discussed to better understand the rhetoric and the reality.
One Jew’s experience in apartheid South Africa and the perspective he has since gained on other Jewish responses.
This talk will examine the rehabilitation efforts that surrounded a group of 500 teenage Holocaust survivors after their arrival in France in June 1945. It will explore how the Buchenwald Boys were placed in an overcrowded orphanage, where tensions bubbled to the surface between non-compliant teenage survivors and adult professionals committed to their recovery.
Everyone knows that Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a French stage and early film actress who went on to become the most famous actress the world has ever known. But who knew of her connections to Australia and who knew of her Jewish connections? We will examine her life and often troubled/often triumphant times.
Are Israelis rude? Are they too loud? Too chutzpadic? This session is a comic performance portraying an immigration experience of different generations from Israel to the Australian diaspora. We will examine the causes and sources of Israeli mentality as well as the attitude of local Jewish community and Australian society in general towards Israelis. In our presentation we will challenge you to consider the cultural differences in a new light. (A special thank you to family members, colleagues and friends who have kindly agreed to participate in this program and shared their stories with us.)
With over a century of combined experience in Jewish education and Jewish community work, this panel provides a rare opportunity to hear stories of some of the successes and failures that these community elders have experienced. Panelists will reflect on what makes education successful, what good education looks like and comment on the future challenges facing the community
The question of the relevance of the 'yamim' (HaShoah, HaZikaron, Ha'atzmaut, Yerushalayim) isn't one that's examined in great depth - the baseline assumption being that these days are of unquestionable relevance and significance for each member of the community. But what if they're not? Does the problem lie with the individual or with the communal approach to commemoration and celebration? We'll explore the relevance of these events; whether they're 'working' and engaging people positively and leaving them fulfilled; what the barriers to widespread engagement are; and whether we're doing enough to get young people to commemorate and celebrate.
The Australian Jewish community is generally perceived as a prosperous, supportive and affable community – and this is largely true. However, there are certain dreadful realities that lie beneath the surface that challenge this perception. The incidence of poverty, domestic violence and sexual abuse in our community are issues we can neither ignore any longer or remain ignorant about. This session will consider evidence on the extent of poverty, with comparative reference to Sydney and Melbourne; the increasing number and public profile of revelations of child sexual abuse; and the unspoken subject of domestic violence and how we can support its victims.
Alana will be performing new compositions, as well as music from her previous album and a few good-time oldies. If you would like a break from the cerebral part of the Limmud-Oz program, come along to the session, sit back and relax, smile, cry, tap your feet, dance or whatever else the music moves you to do.
Shakespeare’s portrayal of Jews in The Merchant of Venice has had a huge social and cultural impact on western society from the time it was written (the late 1500s) to today. It is arguably the most important literary portrait of Jews ever written. In this session, we will consider the play and view some excerpts from a recent film to decide whether or not Shakespeare may be considered a Judeophobe or antisemite.
Precisely because Progressive Zionists have legitimate criticism of objectionable Israeli policies and behaviour, they are the best-suited Jewish communal activists to respond to the anti-Israel Left's calls for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, claims that Israel is an apartheid state and more. This session will cover both substantive issues and a discussion of tactics.
Israel's education system is not one of the world's best yet the country continues to punch above its weight on the technological, educational, scientific and economic world stage. This doesn't make any sense!!! The session will take a brief look at the Israeli school system and then try to answer the aforementioned conundrum.
While we do not usually think of the halakha as funny, the reality is that halakhic literature contains many examples of humour. From whimsical passages in the Mishna to caustic jibes in mediaeval commentaries, from jokes within the Talmud through to 17th-century insults, there is much within this corpus to both inform us and to entertain. This session will look at passages from a range of texts and a range of eras, both supporting and condemning the art of making jokes.
Hear from a panel of young change-makers about what they deeply care about and how they are prepared to take action. Join educators and mentors in the Jewish Social Justice field to hear about how our community can continue to reinvigorate itself and provide meaningful connection points for youth. Join in the conversation: Have you seen youth make an impact? What opportunities do you offer youth to shine? Facilitated by Janet Granek (Jewish Aid Australia), Ruth Tofler Riesel and Carole Schlessinger (Kids Giving Back) and Isabella Satz (Emanuel School Prefect).
This session will describe the bond between Jews and Aboriginal people. For example: Ngarigu linguist Dr Troy and native Revived Hebrew speaker Professor Zuckermann will explore perspicacious insights applicable from the Promised Land to the Lucky, albeit linguistically Unlucky, Country. Dr Troy will share her views on Israel, following a trip sponsored by the Yachad Foundation, in which Prof. Zuckermann introduced her to the Hebrew revival. Prof. Zuckermann will propose the establishment of 'Native Tongue Title' - to compensate Aboriginal people for linguicide.
Joshua Nelson talks about growing up as an African-American Jew and other Jewish communities of African descent – from Ethiopia and other places you might be surprised to hear about. This session offers a new look at issues of race, ethnicity and cultural identity.
Two of Australia's senior Jewish educators reflect on whether pluralism is good for our Jewish community. This session offers a stimulating mix of real-life examples and audience participation.
Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service, will discuss the role of women living in the developing world and the enormous challenges they face. Ruth will explain that despite these challenges, women frequently serve as the catalysts for positive social change. She will highlight the women’s empowerment work of AJWS, which supports projects that help local women transform their own lives and create lasting and meaningful change for themselves, their families and their communities.
One of the best Yiddish movies, The Dybbuk (Poland, 1937), unites a detailed portrayal of Jewish folkways in the shtetl with universal themes of love, longing and the spiritual. Chonen and Leah are destined for each other, but after Chonen's early death, his spirit enters Leah's body as a 'dybbuk'. This presentation, including film clips, will explore some of the folkloric motifs in the film and reflect on why it continues to have universal appeal.
With over 60,000 Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers in Israel at the moment, the country is facing some tough questions regarding what it means to be a Jewish State. This interactive presentation will explore the various opinions within Israeli politics about how to treat these individuals. There will also be time for discussion about how Israel’s policy towards asylum seekers may impact on the relationship between diaspora Jews and Israel.
A presentation depicting the image of the State of Israel in the Australian media, through Israeli eyes and point of view.
What is a person pledging when s/he converts to Judaism? How is it possible that even among Orthodox authorities, all of whom base their rulings on the same texts, debates rage about what makes a conversion valid? The reason, we’ll see, is that in ruling on conversion, rabbis are actually defining not only 'WHO is a Jew?' but 'WHAT is a Jew?'. We’ll look at several Orthodox responsa to see that even Orthodox authorities disagree about the fundamental question: what does it mean to be a Jew?
At the end of the Second Temple period there were many versions of Judaism in the marketplace of ideas. We will review sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the New Testament, Josephus and others to reconstruct this lost world. No prior knowledge of 'Sex and the City' required (although it will help with the quiz at the end).
This talk examines the work of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute in consulting with the testimony-gathering efforts of the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), an independent Cambodian research institute compiling written records, photographs and video testimonies of the Cambodian genocide. The collaboration between these two institutions raises pressing questions concerning the limits and possibilities of documenting more recent and contemporary genocides by using methods of testimony that were originally developed for survivors and witnesses of the Shoah. This talk thus considers the challenges of examining genocides at large through the particular lens of the Holocaust.
To what extent is there hatred between Jews and Muslims? Is it based in sacred texts? Do Islamic and Jewish sacred texts promote hatred, intolerance or coexistence? What to make of the prophet video violence? - And other honest discussions about modern contemporary hatred and what is being done. Some reflections, experiences and dilemmas from the coalface of interfaith relations and educational efforts with marginalised and disconnected youth.
South African Jewry has lost much of its proud community to emigration, with many moving to Australia. It is the only country which has official relations with Israel yet simultaneously bans elected representatives and civil servants from visiting what many politicians call ‘an Apartheid state’. Every day, many young Jews turn away from Judaism while others turn to right-wing religiosity. Despite this, individuals from the community continue to excel professionally, there is a high rate of Jewish day-school attendance and an unprecedented level of engagement with the Zionist youth movements. Is this a community in trouble or one that is thriving? Time for questions and discussion included.
The delegitimisation campaign against Israel continues unabated but what does it really have to show for itself? This session offers insights into the campaign, analysis of how Israel is faring and responding to ongoing attempts to malign it, and reflections on how the campaign played itself out in our own community.
An open session with questions, statements, answers (if possible) and discussion about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the possibilities for peace. General questions can also be asked about Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region.
The Jewish year is slightly longer than the solar year and this is causing serious problems with the Jewish calendar. For example, Pesach, the 'Festival of Spring', now falls seven days later than it did when the calendar was promulgated by the Sanhedrin in 358 CE. Pesach is drifting into summer, then autumn and winter. In this talk, I explain what has gone wrong with the Jewish calendar and suggest how to fix it.
How would our lives be changed if we had no idea what day it was? no idea when to observe religious holidays or mark the passing of another year? This session examines these intriguing questions in the context of the Holocaust, when Jews in ghettos, in camps and in hiding were compelled to develop innovative strategies to track time, maintain continuity with the past and envision a viable future.
A film that every Australian needs to see, followed by a panel discussion and action opportunities. The film Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea relates the story of the ‘refugee’. What pushes people to leave home? What do they leave behind? What do they fear? Why do they choose this path? And what does it take to turn someone into a ‘boat person’? The panel includes a Darfuri community leader, who will share his refugee story; representatives from the Asylum Seekers Centre, who will share information and facts about asylum seekers in Sydney; and Janet Granek, from Jewish Aid, who will reflect on how the Jewish community can help with this complex global problem. This is a double session.
Infertility is a very lonely and isolating experience. Hear from the co-founders of The Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN), Shterny Dadon and Jodie Lowe Ariel, joined by co-organiser Leanne Whitten, to hear their journey to help raise awareness of the struggles and hardships of infertility and provide solutions in a supportive environment. Also hear from AFJN’s rabbinic advisor Rabbi Yoram Ulman, who supervises all halachic fertility treatments in Sydney. The AJFN is a one-of-a-kind organisation aiming to provide a vibrant online presence for people within the Australian Jewish community who may be experiencing infertility or would like more information on the issue of fertility. AJFN provides resources, information and offers both financial and emotional support to couples struggling with infertility.
One way of looking at tantrums is to describe them as 'attention seeking'. In previous generations, indeed, the response often was 'That child just needs a good hiding.' When we have an angry, upset or sad child in front of us, we often have an urge to ignore them, exile them or take over the problem. Diane will help us sort out whether we are dealing with a wobbly of control, upset or despair, with practical suggestions about what we can do. This is part of Diane's 'Temperament, Tips and Tachlis' series.
This session will review the history of antisemitism in pop and rock music, with particular emphasis on the subtle and not so subtle use of antisemitic lyrics and imagery. We will investigate the origins and rise of racist punk music and Nazi rock and the bizarre involvement of artists including Eric Clapton, David Bowie, the Sex Pistols and Michael Jackson. In addition, we will consider the extent to which Jewish songwriters and performers, from Al Jolson to Sasha Baron Cohen, have wittingly or unwittingly contributed to this form of antisemitism.
In mid-2012, the Tal Law, which exempted tens of thousands of Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) from serving in the IDF since the establishment of the State of Israel, expired. In the recent elections, Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party ran on a platform of forcing the Haredi population to shoulder their “fair share of the burden,” while Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu has been advocating that for years. The new government has pledged to phase in the draft for the vast majority of Haredi men over the coming years. But the Haredi population is steadfast against the move and the IDF is also concerned about its impact. Will this bring about the kind of social equality sought or a major civil disaster?
Hatufim (Prisoners of War) is an Israeli TV series which tells the story of how three Israeli soldiers struggle to integrate back into society after 17 years in terrorist captivity. When it was screened on Israeli TV, it was the highest rating show of the year, with its American spinoff, Homeland, achieving equal popularity and several Emmy awards. This session will explore the contrast between the two shows, with a specific focus on what this difference can teach us about Israeli society.
The tragedy around the great Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza’s excommunication in the 17th century in Amsterdam created a crisis in Judaism which is still with us. How to prevent a repetition of Spinoza’s rejection of Judaism and make sure that our Judaism will even be able to inspire atheists.
This talk by Dr Noah Shenker examines the prospects for the future uses of Holocaust survivor testimonies, arguing that in order to better interpret and more ethically utilise those invaluable resources, we must first understand how they are shaped by the cultures and methods of the archives and museums that preserve them.
Wladyslaw Szlengel became known as the 'Poet of the Ghetto'. Already a popular satiric poet before the War, he consciously took on the roles of keeping up morale among his fellow-condemned and of creating a verse-history of the ghetto. He and his wife were shot by the Nazis on 5 May 1943. To the end he preserved remarkable detachment, a great sense of humour and astute artistic self-criticism.
A film that every Australian needs to see, followed by a panel discussion and action opportunities. The film Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea relates the story of the ‘refugee’. What pushes people to leave home? What do they leave behind? What do they fear? Why do they choose this path? And what does it take to turn someone into a ‘boat person’? The panel includes a Darfuri community leader, who will share his refugee story; representatives from the Asylum Seekers Centre, who will share information and facts about asylum seekers in Sydney; and Janet Granek, from Jewish Aid, who will reflect on how the Jewish community can help with this complex global problem. This is a double session.
Adelaide's unaffiliated Jewish youth group this year is co-led by madrichim with primary affiliations to Hineni, Habonim, Netzer and Beitar. Is this model unique to Adelaide, or is it something other regions might like to explore?
Are you one of the 80% of Jews who've been blessed with the 'Gift of the Gab'? Or one of the 95% of Jewish men who can't get a word in over dinner? No matter what (made up) percentile you belong to, you'll enjoy learning some crazy techniques that will help you BE HEARD - Jew style.
Yes, Shabbat’s kept the Jews. But Torah, humour and stunning songs at dining tables have kept the Jews' heads high. The best part? It has never mattered if one can't sing for peanuts - only that one tries. Because even the words we pass on to family and guests are packed with meaning, as you’ll see ... Come, learn songs from three cultures. Because it ALL belongs to you. Song sheets with transliterations? Yours to keep.
This session will use film to analyse the change in Israeli society's perception of the Israeli soldier. Specifically I will focus on the extent to which attitudes within Israel have changed towards soldiers as the conflict continues. I will use film to illustrate the change in the psyche of Israeli society, and together we will experience the rollercoaster of emotions that Israelis have felt over 65 years in relation to soldiers. We will cover movies such as Waltz With Bashir, Miftzah Yonatan, Miftzah Safta and many more.
The story of almost five and half years in which Gershon Baskin communicated with Hamas leaders in an attempt to bring Gilad Shalit home from captivity in Gaza. Those contacts eventually led to secret direct back-channel negotiations authorised by the Government of Israel and the Hamas leaders which led to the breakthrough that resulted in the prisoner exchange and Gilad’s return to freedom and home.
Our liturgy has made these two truth claims for thousands of years, and yet for some they may seem to conflict. An exploration of our ancestral teaching about God and how this may guide us to reading Torah as a text of unity and embrace.
In this session, we'll delve into the halachos on what may render a whisky kosher or non-kosher. Specifically, we'll spend some time discussing the effects of maturing a spirit in a barrel that has previously held a non-kosher wine product, like sherry or port.
This talk will examine the Finaly Affair of 1953, in which a Catholic woman had two Jewish children baptised and kidnapped to Spain. We will discuss how such custody disputes reveal competing notions about French national identity in the wake of Vichy.
Dr Cathy Kezelman, President of Adults Surviving Child Abuse (national peak body for adult survivors of childhood trauma), and Manny Waks, President of Tzedek (advocacy group for Jewish victims/survivors of child sexual abuse) discuss how we can all work together to address the issue of child sexual abuse. Both Manny and Cathy are victims/survivors of child sexual abuse. This session will be moderated by the Sydney Editor of the Australian Jewish News, Josh Levi.
It is said that when Jews arrived in Argentina, they left their rabbis behind. Unlike most communities worldwide, this Jewry was established around culture, politics and love of Israel. This session will be about the past, the present and the vision of the future of this other Southern Hemisphere Jewish world.
Cast your mind forward 20 years – what does Australian Jewry look like? Is the Lucky Country still home to a Lucky Community of proud, prosperous Jews? Or will we see a community dispersed by the rising cost of property, divided by political/religious clashes, and gutted by assimilation and intermarriage? Come and hear the perspective of these Gen Y Jewish professionals and lay leaders across youth movements, AUJS, and Israel-focused and communal organisations on what the future holds for Australian Jewry.
While the overwhelming number of Hasidic groups can trace their rabbinic leadership back to the Maggid of Mezeritch, who was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, there are some notable exceptions. One of these is the movement founded by Rebbe Nachman, the Baal Shem Tov's great-grandson. Known as Breslovers, they have had a chequered history: some consider them to be a messianic movement, while some others believe that they are not really Hasidim at all. Gidi Dar's 2005 film, Ushpizin, relates the misadventures of a newly religious Breslov couple in Jerusalem. The screening will be introduced by Simon Holloway, who will provide a short introduction to Breslov and to its various subgroups. This is a double session.
Building on the acoustic instrumentation of 2010’s acclaimed Half Man Half Woman, Stories Of Ghosts adds layers of wood, strings and air, creating a sound that veers from delicate and melancholy to savage and fierce. As a live performance, Conway and Zygier have found ways to challenge the limits of sound that two guitars and two voices can make.
Most of the famous American comic books, including Batman, X-Men and Spiderman, were created by immigrant Jews. Why did this segment of the American population choose this ‘undesirable’ profession, these specific characters and the themes surrounding them? We look at how the lives of the creators often echoed those of the heroes they created as well as why Jews, particularly, found the field of comic books so appealing.
Would Moshe condone or condemn Lance Armstrong's behaviour? Cheating and steroids seem to be tainting sport as we know it, but is it really so bad? Come, find out the Jewish perspective on drugs and cheating in sport and elsewhere, as we analyse Biblical and Talmudic sources on the matter.
What does intermarriage have to do with the Holocaust? More than you'd think. For many survivor families, the prospect of a child or grandchild marrying out is a source of immense tsouris and conflict. But does intermarriage really threaten Holocaust remembrance? Do we need to reorient ourselves to the ways in which the third-generation chooses to commemorate the Shoah? Using two literary sources, this talk explores third-generation remembrance through the prism of a divisive issue.
In Orthodox communities, living a 'Torah lifestyle' is often contrasted with having lesbian/gay/bisexual/trans/intersex (LGBTI) experience. As a halachically observant man with extensive experience in Jewish communal outreach, Gávi will share his insights about how LGBTI Jews can live a Torah lifestyle. He will discuss guidelines and halachic approaches to make Orthodox communities safer, healthier and more welcoming environments for LGBTI Jews. All are welcome.
A panel on College life including professionals who work in the field, as well as current students and college graduates from both Australia and overseas. They will discuss their experiences, how it shapes/shaped them and what benefits there are, as well as the challenges, compared to living at home. We would like to present the difference between the USA/Canada and other societies, where this is a rite of passage, and compare this with Australia, where it is far from the norm. Allison Conyer will speak on the social implications this has, as an educator passionate about young adult education and development.
While the overwhelming number of Hasidic groups can trace their rabbinic leadership back to the Maggid of Mezeritch, who was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, there are some notable exceptions. One of these is the movement founded by Rebbe Nachman, the Baal Shem Tov's great-grandson. Known as Breslovers, they have had a chequered history: some consider them to be a messianic movement, while some others believe that they are not really Hasidim at all. Gidi Dar's 2005 film, Ushpizin, relates the misadventures of a newly religious Breslov couple in Jerusalem. The screening will be introduced by Simon Holloway, who will provide a short introduction to Breslov and to its various subgroups. This is a double session.
Water is a pathway to peace. Via video link-up, we'll discuss two key examples: 1) How 29 Israeli and Palestinian Mayors have entered Memorandum of Understandings to solve mutual environmental problems; 2) Development of a Masterplan to rehabilitate the Jordan River, involving Israel, Palestine and Jordan - with many comparisons to the issues plaguing the Murray - Darling Rivers system.
What does Jewish law say about sensation and scandal? Is reporting always a violation of the strict laws of Lashon Hara? Is there a duty to inform the public interest? How do we protect the innocent from predators and from defamation? What does Halacha say about confidentiality? Do confession and forgiveness mean putting it all out in the open?
Join Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service, to learn about the politics behind the global hunger crisis. Speaking from her own experiences in the developing world and on Capitol Hill, Ruth will propose how we can influence our government to address the root causes of hunger and poverty and put an end to the world's growing hunger problem from the ground up. Sharing the words of dedicated volunteers, students, community leaders and skilled professionals, Ruth will tell of the enormous transformative impact we can make as global citizens working to ensure lasting social justice.
Co-facilitated by an inspiring rabbi and a contemporary artist, this Abstract Painting workshop explores Jewish sources, encouraging you to create new visual commentaries on the ancient texts of our tradition. You will learn new painting techniques and visually interpret passages from the Tanach in a relaxed environment. Take home your finished artwork! Absolute beginners welcome. This is a double session.
Join us for a fun movement session to get your body warmed up for the action-packed day ahead. The first 30 minutes is suitable for both adults and children, as we explore yoga poses that you can easily learn to practise at home. The second half of the session is suitable for teens and adults, focusing on breath awareness and meditation.
Israel faces a hybrid array of security threats from state and non-state adversaries. While Israel’s defence establishment and intelligence community have so far managed to deal with conventional wars and traditional terror, they must rapidly devise effective responses to several new challenges, including new forms of terror and a highly sophisticated cyber war. In doing so, they are forced to consider, more than ever before, the diplomatic and political fall-out internationally. This session will analyse the threats facing Israel and the new strategic and tactical responses required.
A co-presentation by two Australian Zionists who will reflect on the observations they made on a recent visit to Hebron. A bustling Palestinian city of 250,000 people, Hebron is the only West Bank city with a centre excised by an enclave of 500 Israeli settlers. Hebron’s Cave of Machpelah is known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Christians as Tomb of the Patriarchs. Around Machpelah, previously busy markets are now a ghost town of divided streets, barriers and no-go zones for Palestinians – officially for security to protect the settlers. Is Hebron a microcosm of the occupation and a barrier to the two-state solution and peace?
Isaac Deutscher, historian and Hassidic rabbi, was immersed in the Talmud and Torah. His classic essay, ‘The Non-Jewish Jew’, notes the paradox that Jewish heretics belong to a characteristically Jewish tradition. Foremost was the great ethical philosopher Spinoza, considered wicked and excommunicated from the 17th-century Jewish community. More recently, Arendt, too, was accused of lacking ahavat Israel - love for the Jewish people - as a consequence of her universal stance on questions of justice.
Australian Jewish communities are, in large part, a product of post-War immigration. The expectation of governments was that Jews, along with other immigrants, would assimilate, with loss of language, values and outlook. But this did not happen as anticipated. This discussion will consider the nature of Jewish integration over three generations – and likely changes in Jewish life over the next decades.
The secular movement gleefully counts up the increasing numbers of 'No Religion' responses in the Census, looking forward to religion's demise altogether. It holds that democracy is essentially secular and will eventually erode religion's role in society. But what does the research into the 'No Religion' category tell us? And is religion contrary to democratic values?
Historically American Jews have been leaders in liberal and labour-related causes, voting heavily for Democratic candidates. Conservative Jewish individuals and organizations have challenged this reality, suggesting that Jews were acting and voting against their economic and communal interest. Most recently, both presidential and congressional elections have thrust Israel into the centre of this question as well.
Co-facilitated by an inspiring rabbi and a contemporary artist, this Abstract Painting workshop explores Jewish sources, encouraging you to create new visual commentaries on the ancient texts of our tradition. You will learn new painting techniques and visually interpret passages from the Tanach in a relaxed environment. Take home your finished artwork! Absolute beginners welcome. This is a double session.
Join Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier as they discuss and perform songs from their latest album Stories of Ghosts - an unbeliever’s examination of biblical themes from a Jewish perspective. The session, hosted by Gary Holzman, will explore the inspiration, common themes and connections between the songs on the album and those of such acclaimed Jewish songwriters as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. These artists will be highlighted in a multimedia presentation and the session will conclude with a thought-provoking Q&A.
Before 1967 – no peace and the 3 big no’s from the Arab world – no peace, no recognition, no negotiation. Post settlements there have been two peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt – and until 1998 there was no official allegation that the settlements were illegal or an obstacle to peace. What happened in 1998? There is a difference between sovereignty and residence: if Jews can live in New York and Sydney but not in Hebron – even under Arab rule – this is not peace but obscene racism.
This session will look at the dilemma of how the State of Israel can be both democratic and nation state of the Jewish people with a 21% Palestinian Arab minority within its borders. We will look at issues of democracy and its principles, Zionism and the Jewish nature of the State of Israel, the legal issues of equality under the law, and the challenges of confronting collective national rights of the Palestinian minority. This is guaranteed to be a lively and compelling discussion.
How can man ever hear the word of God? This session looks at radical Chassiduth, Rabbi Naftaly Horowitz of Ropshitz, Baruch Spinoza, Moses Mendelsohn and the first letter of the Ten Commandments. What was the thundering silence at Sinai?
Jewish Orthodox feminism as a 'revolutionary movement' has pushed the envelope of tradition and consequently has often been active 'at the margins'. This session will explore the journey that feminist thinking and practice has made over the last century from the margins to the mainstream of Orthodoxy.
In this session, Professor Deborah Lipstadt (award-winning author and academic whose books include History on Trial: My Day in Court With a Holocaust Denier and The Eichmann Trial) will be in a video-linked conversation with Mark Baker (Director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation and Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Monash University). They will discuss her work on the Holocaust and Holocaust denial, her role in providing historical evidence against David Irving in court, her new book on Eichmann and what it reveals about the nature of evil, her recent visit to Rwanda and her views on Israel and Judaism.
The issue of dual citizenship is crucial in current citizenship thought and one of considerable importance in contemporary political/policy debates in Australia and internationally. This is of particular importance in the context of global migrations and is also of considerable relevance to Jewish people vis-a-vis Israel.
We all know someone who is in an interfaith relationship but this session provides some insight into the lives of people in interfaith relationships. This is your chance to hear their stories first-hand. Our panelists will share their personal stories of intermarriage. We will focus on whether or not the current approach to Jewish continuity is effective or whether it is contributing to the problem.
How did London's Jewish community go from over-subscription in its schools, with court battles to persuade schools to admit children, to under-subscription overnight? What is the background to the UK's first non-Orthodox Jewish high school? What opposition did it face and was its 'overnight success really 'overnight'? What was the ethos of the school and what was the process of creating a pluralist ethos from scratch? The school's founding principal explains all!
In this session, the Prince of Kosher Gospel offers insights into this musical sensation. Where did it come from and how is it done? Despite common belief, gospel music is not essentially Christian but can serve to broaden our Jewish horizons. As our liturgy says, Shiru l’Adonai Shir Chadash – Sing to G-d a new song!
Obama is probably the most controversial American president in his relationship with Israel since Jimmy Carter. However, using his two major speeches in Cairo (2009) and in Jerusalem (2013) as our main focus points, we will try to unravel the shifts this relationship has gone through and discuss the reasons behind it.
Why do the Arabs envy Israel? What do they actually need for a real peace? Is it something Israel will be able to share with them? No, we are not talking about territories but something much more important that no one can survive without. Learn why the next war will be about water, and what Israel is doing to prevent it!
American Pro-Israel advocacy is both lauded and castigated for its high profile and strength. This session will first look at the development and activity of American advocacy groups, particularly the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and J Street, and discuss what it all means for Israel, the United States and the American Jewish community. It will then consider the Australian context.
'Modern Orthodoxy' is one of those labels that gets bandied about in the Jewish world but is seldom defined. Does it really exist? Ought it? Do we believe in it? Is it a lesser Orthodoxy? Occasionally congregants reprimand me, “What you’re doing isn’t Modern Orthodox!” Do they know better? Can modernity and orthodoxy really coexist? We look at the challenges and the aspirations of Orthodox Jews in a modern world.
We will examine how our ancient sages, as well as modern Jewish philosophers (Heschel and Buber), have understood the prophet Elijah's encounter with the kol d'mamah dakah - the 'still, small voice'. In addition, we will consider what their interpretations of this episode 'reveal' about their overall philosophy and the era in which they lived ... and what our own interpretations reveal about ours.
Rewriting History is an inspiring documentary, set in Lithuania, about the emergence of 'double genocide' and its threat to the memory of the Holocaust in Europe and beyond - and an Australian-led campaign to counter this new form of Holocaust denial. At the time of its prime-time broadcast on SBS, The Australian reviewed the documentary 'as one of those films that is so compelling it leaves you a little breathless'. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's co-producer and co-director Danny Ben-Moshe. Be engaged by the film and also find out how you can get involved in the campaign to stop the rewriting of history. This is a double session.
The CerfBerr and Ratisbonne families were among the best-known in French Jewish history. They included high-profile members of the Jewish community, controversial converts to Catholicism, and career antisemites. What drove them to make the choices they did? What was the role of family, and how did this work with the pressures of modernity? This is a story of the long nineteenth century and the ways Jews interacted with modernity.
Paradoxically, wartime Holocaust writing is less known than its post-War complement. But wartime writing in all genres offers, in an unparalleled manner, the privilege of vicariously viewing the unfolding of events and the groping attempt to respond to them.
Mark Tedeschi will be speaking about his true-crime book Eugenia. Eugenia lived for 22 years as a working-class man in Sydney, and during that time was legally married twice. In 1920, she went to trial in the Supreme Court charged with the murder of her first wife. Her trial attracted the attention of the whole nation. Mark will describe Eugenia's life, both before and after her trial, and explain why he believes her trial resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
Deep Ecology is a philosophy of nature which sees that underlying the environmental crisis there is a psychological or spiritual disease stemming from the illusion of separation between humans and the rest of the natural world. Arne Naess, Professor of Philosophy from Oslo University, Norway, pointed out that our "ecological ideas are not enough to protect the Earth, we need ecological identity, ecological self". With a presentation which includes music and poetry, John Seed shows us how to nourish our ecological identity and align ourselves with Earth.
Israel is a unifying force in our community but also a big bone of contention. How our community talks about Israel – amongst ourselves and to the Australian public – continues to divide opinion and stir passion. Furthermore, we seem to talk incessantly about Israel. Is our fascination with Israel justified? And are we talking about the right things?
This session will provide a review of the debate surrounding the Western Wall through the work of Women of the Wall and their supporters. Who is involved? Who isn't? And how can we make the Kotel a truly inclusive place of Jewish gathering?
This session examines some of the negative stereotypes that people have about religion and how Judaism suffers by association. The issues addressed include today's preference for spirituality over religion, the sentiment that religion is a 'crutch for those who need it' and the contention that religions divide people, thereby causing strife in the world.
"A journey of the soul" is one way of understanding the relevance of Torah to modern daily life. Join a guided meditation based on a Kabbalistic approach to the parsha. We can connect with ways to heal and grow, and open ourselves to inner peace and clarity. Whether you know a lot, a little or nothing about meditation, Torah or Kabbalah, you are welcome in this session.
Rewriting History is an inspiring documentary set in Lithuania about the emergence of 'double genocide' and its threat to the memory of the Holocaust in Europe and beyond - and an Australian-led campaign to counter this new form of Holocaust denial. At the time of its prime-time broadcast on SBS, The Australian reviewed the documentary 'as one of those films that is so compelling it leaves you a little breathless'. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's co-producer and co-director Danny Ben-Moshe. Be engaged by the film and also find out how you can get involved in the campaign to stop the rewriting of history.
This is a double session.
Recent advances in research in psychological trauma, including contributions from the large Holocaust generational trauma literature, are changing both our understanding of and how we think about the generational impact of the Holocaust. This session will provide an overview of this exciting and rapidly advancing field and will examine the practical implications for care of the elderly survivor by their next of kin.
Diane Levy believes that a well-behaved child is a pleasure to be with. If we can just get them to behave, we are freed up to enjoy their company. With highly practical, what-to-do strategies, Diane show us how to get our children to do as they are told. She tackles the difficult topics of hitting, biting, snatching, swearing and sorting out sibling scraps. This is part of Diane's 'Temperament, Tips and Tachlis' series.
The Gen08 survey of the Jewish community was completed by almost 6000 people in Australia. The project also conducted a number of focus groups, including more than ten discussions with young adults. This session will consider findings of positive and negative impacts of Jewish day school education, with a focus on differences in understanding provided by quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group) research methods.
This line from Deuteronomy in the Torah speaks to the centrality of justice in Jewish life. Jewish tradition is concerned about how we treat the weakest in our midst and the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) is one of the most universal and compelling values in Judaism. Hear from three leading activists in the field of social justice in Israel, the US, and Australia and around the world about where and how the Jewish goal to better the world is needed more than ever.
Join Shirley Politzer on keyboard and Maxine Appel-Cohen as they take you on a rollercoaster journey through 20th- and 21st-century musicals, discovering the Jewish genius and talent that created memorable music and entertainment as composers, lyricists, directors, producers, filmmakers and performers - from Broadway to the West End, from Gershwin to Bernstein and beyond. You'll learn about intriguing aspects of these artists and their works that have delighted millions.
Despite a renewed push for Middle East peace by President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, the Palestinian track holds little promise and the threat of Iran continues to loom large. Not even six months since Israel’s last hot conflict with Gaza, rockets are being fired again, and the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank is in disarray and refuses to return to the negotiating table. Iran’s regional influence and proxy war against Israel, through Hezbollah in particular, is heating up, while the Obama Administration reiterates its commitment to Israel’s security. Are we on the brink of a breakthrough? a major war? or a new era of containment?
Shahar will introduce his new book, Appeals, Aliyah and the Construction of a pro-Israeli Diasporic Identity (Hebrew, 2013), and examine the traditional political goals of Israel in the diaspora - including Aliyah, donation (financial aid), help in PR (Hasbara) and political pressure on host countries. Despite the demands, the diaspora is denied, by officials and policies, any significant influence in Israel. In the session we will examine the nature of the relationship with Australian Jewry, the anticipated political goals and the Israeli narratives to the diaspora.
The standard hasbara message in our community about the settlements and the settlement enterprise is essentially that everyone knows already, on both sides, what will happen to them if and when a final deal is negotiated and that they are not in any way an obstacle to peace. But the standard message is misleading. The settlements do in fact raise unsettling questions and challenges that need to be acknowledged and addressed by serious friends of Israel. This session will discuss some of these critical questions and challenges.
The Torah is the most influential book of all times and the central text of Jewish life and yet its true meaning and its depths evade detection by all but the most devoted students. Learn some of the methods that enable one to unlock the text and uncover the secret messages that the Torah holds for all of us.
“To deny a people the man whom it praises as the greatest of its sons is not a deed to be undertaken lightheartedly ... especially by one belonging to that people” - Sigmund Freud, Moses and Monotheism. In his final book, Freud argues that Moses was an Egyptian monotheist nobleman who led only his close followers into freedom. Once in the wilderness, they murdered him before merging with another monotheistic tribe to become the Israelites. After examining some of Freud’s ideas, we will attempt to answer various questions, including some from the audience. For example: Does it matter whether our stories are true or not? Does the delegitimisation of Moses delegitimise Judaism itself?
"If you don't speak Yiddish, what kind of a Jew are you?" This was the question asked of Elana Benjamin's mother soon after emigrating from her native India. This session draws on material from Elana's memoir/history about the Baghdadi Jews of Bombay - My Mother's Spice Cupboard (2012) - with the aim of raising awareness and generating discussion about the experiences of Iraqi-Sephardi Jewry.
Olga Horak and David Benedikt are Holocaust Survivors who have been telling their story for over twenty years. In this session we will discuss with Olga and David how they came to tell their stories and why they feel compelled to talk about what they endured during World War II.
Are the youth of today apathetic towards Judaism? Do they try and get away from the community the first opportunity they get? This session will explore the way youth grapple with their Jewish identity and whether or not they are engaged by what the community is offering. The session will include discussion of an extensive survey I conducted with young members of the Jewish community, which produced some surprising answers.
The dark stage musical Cabaret declares, as only Liza and Joel Gray can, that “Money Makes the World Go 'Round”. A provocative thought and a catchy song, but is it true? Because all of us are obliged to manage our money, it is important that we consider its value and responsible use. Join Rabbi Robuck as we together examine the Jewish perspective on money and tackle ethical questions like: Are all ways of making money equally legitimate (what would you do for a buck?)? What balance, if any, is necessary between giving, saving and spending our money?
YiddishPOP is a lively, interactive program on the Internet that teaches Yiddish to speakers of other languages. Its lessons are built around animated movies and supporting features that introduce and reinforce vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading comprehension and writing skills through playful activities. New concepts are couched in everyday situations, adding context for learners and helping them master idiomatic and cultural nuances. This session will introduce YiddishPOP, including a demonstration of its movies and features.
Be guided through a variety of creative avenues to look into and explore the topic that is ‘You’ - and leave with your own piece of artwork. It can be increasingly challenging in today’s world to make the time and find the space for ongoing and meaningful reflection and exploration regarding who and where you are right now. Allow us to offer you a brief moment to put ‘You’ under the microscope. This is an interactive workshop and double session.
This presentation will consider some of the popular Yiddish cabaret recordings made in Israel during the 1960s by Shimon Dzigan (1905-1980), as well as the American comedy recordings of Mickey Katz (1909-1985), to consider the role of Yiddish in creating a discourse for modern Jewish comedy. In the post-War era, Yiddish by no means disappears from Jewish popular culture, but it is transformed from a lingua franca into a language that signifies the disruption and miscommunication between Jews in an era that demands the use of a national language. Prior knowledge of Yiddish is helpful but not required; glossaries and translations available for participants.
Are there essential doctrines or beliefs in Judaism? In this talk, Mark Baker will reflect on the unique features of Jewish theology and how its themes of iconoclasm, exile, return and covenant have reverberated in both traditional and modern contexts. The talk will focus on Jewish texts from the rabbinic and the contemporary Jewish canon that capture the archetypal Jewish posture of argument and dissent.
The Jewish community of Libya is believed to date back to the time of King Solomon. This session will explore the rich history of Jews in Libya, their struggles and achievements, strong and constant connection to the Land of Israel, and unyielding support for the subsequent State of Israel. A rich culture of customs and language, it remains a vibrant and prolific community in Israel today.
Much of our children’s behaviour is the result of Nature rather than Nurture. In a light-hearted (with serious intent) seminar, Diane will help us understand our own personality and the personalities of the people (both tall and short) with whom we interact. “Once we can understand temperaments,” says Diane, “our interactions are much more likely to be positive and we are more likely to see personality rather than pest." This is part of Diane's 'Temperament, Tips and Tachlis' series, although each lecture is self-contained.
While there is no shortage of options outlining how one can practise Judaism in our community, the question of why engage with anything to do with Judaism is rarely addressed. This expert panel aims to shed light on this question from a range of perspectives.
Be guided through a variety of creative avenues to look into and explore the topic that is ‘You’ and leave with your own piece of artwork. It can be increasingly challenging in today’s world to make the time and find the space for ongoing and meaningful reflection and exploration regarding who and where you are right now. Allow us to offer you a brief moment to put ‘You’ under the microscope. This is an interactive workshop and a double session.
Your brain is already saturated with all the new ideas you’ve heard over the weekend – so it’s time for something light and sweet. A guitar and a fiddle will bring to life some of your favourite music from around the Jewish world. From classic Carlebach to modern Israeli, a variety of songs will be performed for your listening pleasure. In between the songs, you will be invited to share your highlights from Limmud. Do you want to participate? Great! Do you just want to watch and listen? Then that’s fine, too! After all, that’s what Limmud is all about. Hope to see you there.
SHALOM BOLLYWOOD: THE UNTOLD STORY OF INDIAN CINEMA is a forthcoming documentary that reveals the unknown history of India’s tiny 2000-year-old Indian Jewish community and its female superstars who shaped the world’s biggest film industry. Come, get a sneak preview of the film and find out more with this presentation by the film's director Danny Ben-Moshe. More Bollywood info at www.shalombollywood.com
Since the Six Day War, the truth about Israel has been abducted by Arab propaganda. Israeli hasbara has patently failed and the West has turned against Israel. Alan Gold and Mike Jones have created an international project, using fiction to tell the truth about Israel's past, present and future.
We are often so focused on Israel’s success and challenges, domestic and foreign, that we neglect to ask “Do the Jews really need a state, and why?” We’ll look at writers as diverse as Jean Jacques Rousseau, George Eliot, Golda Meir and John Lennon to uncover one of Israel’s central messages to humankind, a claim about the importance of roots and the sanctity of distinctiveness. That message, we’ll see, might just allow the Jewish people to recover a prophetic role in the world.
Why is it forbidden to count Jews and why are the Jews a nation apart? Why do we irritate the world more than any other nation and why are we the most discussed nation on earth? On Judaism’s influence on Western civilization, Israel, Zionism, antisemitism and the problem of Jewish identity.
Very often a simple idea ends up becoming a wonderful social justice program. Hear from four people who grew small ideas into services that have impacted on large numbers in different ways. What they did, how they did it and where they are now.
Six Muslims, six Jews, two days of program in Washington DC, preceded by a week of discussions on antisemitism, dialogue and the future relationship. This will be the first debriefing from a participant in what may well be pivotal inter-communal events.
Women shape the political agenda of Australia at all levels of government. If we are following the US trend where almost 40% of working wives now out earn their husbands (Liza Mundy, The Richer Sex) our financial power is growing dramatically. How is this being received? What lessons have been learnt? What will be the impact on society and the economy? How will gender roles, relationships and families transform? What will constitute the new glass ceiling? How will the children respond? How will Judaism react? Womanpower believes that Jewish Women and the ideas that matter to them constitute a significant part of our community debate.
